Our Leadership

PASTORAL STAFF

Believers who invest their hearts, time, families, and finances in the building of a local church deserve to have confidence in church leadership. People are looking for leaders who conduct themselves with integrity and respect when making decisions that affect their lives.

James Johnson-Hill

Dr. James Johnson-Hill is the founder and lead pastor of Agape Church. Pastor James has roots in Jones County, Mississippi. Prior to moving to Laurel, Pastor James served as the Associate Pastor for 13 years at Agape Church in San Luis Obispo, CA. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, James completed his Doctorate of Ministry in July of 2000. Pastor James has a genuine love for people and is passionate to see the church look like heaven… people of every race, every culture, every age and every background worshiping God, loving God, loving one another and living life together! As pastor and teacher Pastor James’ ministry focuses on building the local church, reaching people with the gospel, and developing passionate followers of Christ. His practical, and often humorous presentation inspires believers and reaches the unchurched.

James and his wife Anicia, affectionately known as Nece, have four children and live in Laurel, MS.

Anicia Bonds Hill

Nece was born and raised in San Luis Obispo, CA. A graduate of Mission College Prep, she pursued further education at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, and later received a degree in Early Childhood Education. In 2010, after co-founding Agape Church with her husband, James, Nece joined full-time ministry as the Administrative Pastor and children’s ministry director. From that time until present, Nece has served in several areas of ministry and loves worship and helping children connect to the life-giving message of Jesus. She also manages the Laurel Farmers Market, a popular summertime event in Downtown Laurel.

Jay Johns

Jay Johns has served as worship pastor at Agape Church since October of 2015. He is passionate about seeing the Church encounter God and be ignited with Christ through revert and powerful worship. Jay has led worship in a variety of environments from church services and student ministry events to conferences and International mission experiences. Jay graduated from Delta State University and completed the WorshipU program at Bethel Church in Redding California in 2015. Jay and his wife, Laura, have been married for five years, and they have one son, Levi.

Hagen Harrison

Hagen is the Student Ministry Director and serving students is something he is extremely passionate about and believes in helping to raise up a generation of students that have that same passion – to love God and love people. Hagen is a recent graduate of Highlands College with a Certificate of Ministry through Church of the Highlands. Hagen launched a ministry dedicated to taking teams of volunteers to serve the homeless communities during the holidays in Mississippi, Florida and Alabama.

WE ARE GUIDED BY PASTORS.

The Pastoral staff team is led by the Lead Pastor. They oversee the day-to-day ministry and operations of the church. The staff pastors serve the congregation and are responsible for the development of the spiritual life of the church. The Agape Church of Jones County Pastor Staff members are:

James Johnson-Hill, Lead Pastor

Anicia Hill, Administrative Pastor / Children’s

Jay Johns, Worship Pastor

WE ARE PROTECTED BY TRUSTEES.

The Trustees provide counsel to the Pastoral Staff regarding the major financial commitments of the church. The Trustees for Agape Church of Jones County are:

Anicia Hill, Secretary/Treasurer

Steve Pugh

Jeffrey Bower

Russell Delk

Michael Sparrow

WE ARE STRENGTHENED BY OVERSEERS.

The Overseers are pastors of respected congregations and ministries who love Agape Church and are willing to provide spiritual protection to the church. They may be called in to help in accountability matters relating to the Lead Pastor if requested by the Pastoral Staff or Trustees.